lots of littering & empty alcohol bottles/cans at rental

[Scott W.]

I have spent the last 3 weekends picking up tons of trash. The last time, I found a condom (didn't dare pick that up).

I have spoken to HOA about it; they pickup the littering every once in a while; i spoke to code enforcement. They made the HOA pickup some trash but said I need to get with them.

It's mostly kids throwing fast food, candy wrappers.

They suggested I speak to HOA about putting trash cans near the sidewalk & bike path. I also suggested to HOA "no littering signs" & to put fines for no littering in the newletter.

Also, there's one unit that consistently throws their empty alcohol bottles on the grass (last weekend was brandy; week before a smashed bottle of tequila).

Is there any other suggestions you may have?

[Jeff Cook]

Sounds like you have a broken window theory issue. The problem with investing in blighted neighborhoods is that your standard of living is vastly different to those of the people causing the blight. It is very difficult to make that change based on your desires. The more vocal you are the more others will fight back. The only thing that you can do is accept the fact that you have problem neighbors. In my experience, which is extensive, all you can do is pick up the trash. On larger properties that I have been involved in we put a property manager in who was friendly with the community and that helps. If there is a strong community leader, such as a minister or political leader, getting them involved may help as well. In Atlanta they have NPU’s – Neighborhood Planning Units, becoming involved with them allows you the access to the people that can really bring about the change. My standard operating procedure is to drive by the properties I may be interested in between 1am & 3am; this is when the undesirable issues are taking place.